“For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.” (Romans 12:3)
Dr. Bronson Ray, a highly respected brain surgeon, once happened upon a scooter accident. A boy had crashed into a tree and Dr. Ray jumped into action, calmly administering first aid with the precision of someone who had spent decades saving lives.
Just then, another boy pushed through the crowd, full of confidence and energy. “I’d better take over now, sir,” he said. “I’m a Boy Scout, and I know first aid!”
The story makes us both smile and cringe, because we’ve all been there. We’ve all had moments when we overestimated ourselves and thought we knew more than we did. Romans 12:3 speaks directly to us in those moments, “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought to think.”
That’s not a call to put ourselves down or ignore the gifts God has given us. Rather, it’s a warning against letting pride cloud our vision. God has distributed gifts to each of us, but we need to use “sober judgment,” which means honest self-awareness. Not inflated ego, not false humility — just an honest sense of who we are.
That Boy Scout’s enthusiasm wasn’t the problem. A willingness to help is admirable. What he lacked was perspective. And that’s often our struggle, too. We rush into situations assuming we know what’s best, or we insert ourselves where we’re not needed. And, in the process, we sometimes elbow aside those whom God has placed there.
Humility doesn’t mean never stepping up. It means seeing the bigger picture: that we’re not the whole body—we’re just one part. It means celebrating others’ strengths and learning when we need to support instead of lead.
So, the next time you’re tempted to take charge or assume you know what’s best, ask the Lord for sober judgment. Remember that your value doesn’t come from being in charge — it comes from being in Christ.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the gifts you’ve given me and the opportunities to serve, but keep me humble. Teach me to walk in wisdom — to speak when it’s time, act when it’s needed, and step aside when it’s best, In Jesus’ name, amen.
Alan Smith